Effect of Oxidized Plant Sterols on Serum Concentrations of Plant Sterol Oxidation Products (POP)

Inclusion criteria

• Apparently healthy men and women as judged by study physician.
• BMI > 18 and < 35 kg/m2.
• Total cholesterol levels at screening ≥5.0 and ≤8.0 mmol/L
• Blood pressure, heart rate, haematological and clinical chemical parameters within the normal reference range as judged by the study physician.

Exclusion criteria

• Recently (<6 months) diagnosed with cardiovascular event(s) (stroke, TIA (Transient ischemic attack), angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure), revascularization or systemic inflammatory conditions.
• Use of plant-sterol/stanol-enriched foods or supplements in the three months prior to the screening and/or during the study.
• Use of over-the-counter and prescribed medication which may interfere with study measurements (i.e. statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, diabetic drugs, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors)), to be judged by the principal investigator.
• Use of oral antibiotics (with the exception of topical antibiotics) in 40 days or less prior to Day -2.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Reported alcohol consumption > 14 units/week (female) or > 21 units/week (male).
• Reported intense sporting activities > 10 hours/week.
• Reported weight loss or gain of 3 kg or more during a period of 6 months prior to screening.
• Currently on a medically- or self-prescribed diet, or slimming diet, or the intention to use any kind of diet during the study.
• Currently smoking or being a non-smoker for less than 6 months and reported use of any nicotine containing products in the 6 months prior to screening and/or during the study.